Monday, September 22, 2008

You want me to sleep Where???

The date on both the entries tells me it’s been two weeks since I, and I quote, “revved up this journal.”Yet, it seems like only a few days.Life is being lived at warp speed compared to just a few months ago.Just this morning Paulette told me before she left for work that we had been getting, “too old too fast,” and that this was God’s way of bringing us back to a more active and youthful lifestyle.Yawn… personally, I’m ready for a nap, LOL!

Some might suggest that the title for this journal be changed from “Dock Lines…” to “The Trenton Chronicles.”When I think about why I started this journal originally, that would suit me just fine.However, in a more philosophical look at “the bigger picture,” I realize that no matter what the title, I have chosen to write about my life and this is a chapter that, though unexpected, I admit I am looking forward to write.I’m thrilled to have the little guy around for the full year and to be a close part of his life in these formative years.

His first week at school found Trenton bringing home a plethora of information about the coming school year including events and activities.Amongst the info was a pamphlet on the local Cub Scout Pack.I ended up taking him to the general sign up meeting two weeks ago and last Thursday Night we went to the first Pack Meeting.This Thursday night will be the first Den Meeting.By now you get the picture, Cub Scout meetings from now on every Thursday night.It’s not like the Boy Scouts where you drop them off and pick them up later.No, a parent or guardian must stay with the child during the meeting times and also must accompany the child on any camping trips that are scheduled.

I went through scouting as I grew up and loved the program.Now it is different in many ways.When I was in Cub Scouts it was run by mothers.We had Den Mothers and your parents did not stay for the meetings, but dropped you off.There wasn’t a Den Mother to be found at our first Pack Meeting.Nope, the men have taken over Cub Scout leadership.

To get the kids fired up about the coming year, the scout leaders were constantly touting how much fun the kids were going to have on the scout camping trips through the year.I started camping when I was eight years old with my family as we toured Europe.Dad was stationed in France and every break we got from school just about was spent visiting another country in Europe.We found that camping grounds were clean and friendly and heavy on the amenities throughout Europe in those days.They were far cheaper than hotels and camping afforded us the opportunity of meeting some really great families at the camp grounds.

I enjoyed camping in Florida as an adult.My best friend Ken and I outfitted ourselves with all the necessary gear and camped on all the barrier islands we could in the Tampa Bay area.We would set up camp sites anyone would be envious of and spend entire weekends on the islands leaving only to fish or scuba dive.

These days, my idea of camping out summons up a vision of a quaint A-Frame Chalet in the mountains with a log fire going in the huge fireplace, retiring to a bed filled with eiderdown, and eating out at the local restaurants.Imagine my surprise to find myself in the camping aisle at Walmart shopping for a tent and air mattresses.

Scouting is not cheap.My mother used to tell me this as a child and I had no idea of what she was speaking about.Well, brother, let me tell you, I do now!Just the scout shirt Trenton needs is over thirty dollars.There are about a gazillion patches and numbers and insignias and each one brings a dear price.Then there’s the neckerchief and the neckerchief clasp or holder, whatever it’s called.They have two part pants now.You unzip them and they are shorts for the summer and zipped up are long pants for the winter.One must rob Ft. Knox to own a pair.Oh, and don’t forget the books, they are a MUST!

Paulette bought him the book with what remains of her pay check and I bought half of the camping gear with what I had left over from my pay check.Next pay day I’ll get sleeping bags and whatever we lack as far as flashlights or lanterns are concerned.I’ve been told that at these campouts we will eat in a communal fashion and the food will be cooked at the Boy Scout Camp cafeteria.Thank goodness!I’d hate to be buying propane stoves and camp tables as well.Oh, Paulette will start assembling the uniform with HER next pay check.Disposable income is a thing of the past in THIS household!

Trenton is having a blast with the other kids in the barely controlled chaos they call meetings.He can’t stop talking about the first planned campout of the year, The Haunted Trail Camp Out scheduled for October 31st.The kids are supposed to bring their Halloween costumes and will go through what I’ve been told is the most complete and elaborate and scary Haunted House the scout masters have ever seen.

So voila… I’m now a Cub Scout again.Let’s all say the pledge together.“I promise to do my duty, to God and my county, to help other people, and to obey the laws of the pack!”

34 comments:

naperdillygirl
said...

What a fantastic voyage you are on, and what a great dad you are! My son started cub scouts at 8, but his dad wasn't involved, and so it kind of fizzled out for him. He's 16 now, and often talks about how he wishes he could have gone to Eagle Scout. The kids are so fortunate that you involve yourself in their lives. How blessed you are, and lucky they are! Have fun.....Sue

Oh, and I forgot to tell you....my son will soon be off to University of Maine to major in Marine Law (year and half from now). He's got the sea in his blood and I'm sure you understand that. We live in Ohio, but we've never purged the ocean from our lives. I'm sure he would LOVE to speak to you sometime~ Sue

ROFLMAO!!!!!! Air mattress????????? When my son was in scouts I had to sleep on the ground... but the troop provided the tent. Oh you lucky dog... LOL He has to earn those badges, doesn't he? You'll have a blast no doubt :) So will Paulette... she gets you out of HER hair for a night and a few weekends.

Glad to see it's only two weeks for the continued rev up.... LMAO... knowing you meant that for my comment on Mystery Blogger :)~ hugsd

Oh Sam, I just know you're going to enjoy these camp outs as much as Trenton! You've really thrown yourselves into this grand parents role and I know Trenton is going to have a great time too! Just think of all the marvellous childhood memories you're giving Trenton, you can't put a price on that! After being a recipient of your hospitality I know you don't do things by halves, have fun at camp! Jeannette xx

Sounds like you will have alot less money...but alot more fun these days : )I envy you....I drool over all of the camping gear at Walmart...and a Halloween camping trip sounds like one of the best camping trips ever!!!

Wow...I never knew you went to France!! That must have been sooooo cool....but camping, so uncool. Ü I like running water & electric ÜOf course, I would love to try RVing as long as someone else does the driving...ÜI am looking for a volunteer to drive me cross country....Ü, I thinksI should have been a princess ~ ;)Mariehttp://photographsmemoriestoo.blogspot.com/

I don't know whether I should say AMEN! or HO-RA! after that. I'm excited for you. I was a Scouter all through my boys' time in Scouts, and all three of us enjoyed the heck out of it. I think it's wonderful to see that parents have to be part of the den meetings, as well as pack meetings. My kids never went camping until they made it to Webelos, and only once a year then. When they made Boy Scouts, they were out monthly. That thing that holds the neckerchief is called a slide. Do not buy and expensive one because chances are they could make one. Oh, and enjoy the slot races, and the boats, and there's so much! Go, Trever!Judehttp://journals.aol.com/jmorancoyle/MyWay

I was a girl scout so I have some idea of what's going on. However, if someone said 'camping' to me today I would laugh hysterically. Not this old gal. Enjoy your time with the grandson. You will both cherish it one day.Hugs, Joyce

Oh, my! You have brought back memories! Maybe I should write an entry in my journal??? Nah... more fun to read others & post comments. I was a Girl Scout: "on my honor, I will try, to serve God, my Country and mankind, and to live by the Girl Scout Law."

You're going to have a blast! Sounds like so much fun. Of course, I was a camp nurse for the Girl Scouts for a few years. Love it! I can't believe it costs so much and then you have all those school expenses also. YIKES! It'll be worth it though to see Trenton grow to a nice young man. hugs, Bethe

Sounds like great fun, Sam. I saw a group of boy scouts in our neighbourhood last week, most likely exploring the forest across our street. That sure brought back my own memories of campgrounds and tents. My Dad used to be the early riser, always the first to wake up at the crack of dawn while the others slept. I still remember the wonderful aroma of coffee from the camp stove!Always, Rose~*

So nice to see that you are still blogging!!!!I used to read your blog regularly a year or so back. I was married then and living in New Jersey...you may not remember me...as a lot has changed including my Screen Name.

Anyways...glad i found you again...now i can pick up where i left off. hahaI was in the Girl Scouts when i was a kid...i never made it very far in it though...i kinda wish i had. Now i see that the Cub Scouts and Such organizations have gotten much more popular these days.

Hi Sam, being female, I was a Brownie and had a wonderful time being part of that organisation. I don`t remember if it was expensive but it probably was because I remember being taken to a specialist shop for my uniform. We didn`t have a parents at the meetings but the leader was a woman. She was our Brown Owl and her deputy was Tawny Owl. Those were such happy days...sigh.

You have the impetus to be forever young--at least while you can keep your eyes open!! Halloween sounds like at least it will be very safe for Trent and that is a real plus. Great picture of him! What kind of costume does he want to wear for Halloween?

Hey Sam,thanks for stopping by.Yes last time I read Dock Lines i was married...Divorced now, and with Anthony as you have read :) Life is a lot better now and things are going VERY well. Thanks so much for reading and commenting and am so glad that i can get back to reading Dock Lines again.

hi sam, it sounds like you are having a wonderful time, the halloween camp sounds like great fun! It is expensive to raise kids now, my eldest now does swimming lessons and starts recorder lessons tomorrow £70 a term total! where that will come from I have no idea, oh well only the best for our kids, i'll go on a diet that should save a few £'s!!!!lol take care, have fun and get lots of sleep!!!! mrs t xxx

Oh Sam how wonderful my two sons enjoyed their scouting years ,and my Daughter ran a cub scout pack for a number of years ,I can remember standing in for her when her fourth baby was due on a looong bike ride (good old Gran!!)and we call the necker holder a woggle ....love Jan xx

Sam sounds like you are enjoying Trenton's stay with you ~ even though it is at warp speed ~ so many "New" things to do ~ I am sure you are going to enjoy those camping trips :o) ~ Loved the pictures ~ Ally x

Wow! Now I'll bet there will be lots of exciting things going on at your place! I look forward to hearing about Trenton's many adventures to come. I hope you plan to continue to blog somewhere AND please give us all the link LOL

Kids not only should come with an owner's manual, they should come with a bank account, too ;)

It seems like things are going well with everyone. I'm happy Trenton is getting used to living there and quickly adapting to life with Grandma and Grandpa!

I used to hang with my brother when he was a scout~ I tried Girl Scouts, but it wasn't as much fun as Boy Scouts, so I left. I loved going camping and canoeing with my brother's pack. After all the outdoor fun the boys had, I was really disappointed that the Girl Scouts didn't do the same outdoor activities. Back then, all the girls did was sew and make crafts... Not my style :)

Well, my friend, since AOL is shutting journals down, what are we gonna do? If you go elsewhere, please keep me in mind and let me know where you are. I have another blog, but its used even less than my AOL one, but I will send you my contact info there- in case I get a wild hair...

Okay, are you transferring to blogspot with the rest of us? Do I have your new link? Did you get instructions for transferring your journal? Mine are all done. I deleted my photo journal. Will start it over from scratch. Let me know where you go. Don't want to lose touch!